[Death] … the abyss from where no traveler is permitted to return.

There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy.

I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy.

Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone.

The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.

It is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government.

No punishment, in my opinion, is to great, for the man who can build his greatness upon his country’s ruin.

Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for, I have grown not only gray, but almost blind in the service of my country.

Be not glad at the misfortune of another, though he may be your enemy.

Strive not with your superiors in argument, but always submit your judgment to others with modesty.

It is absolutely necessary… for me to have persons that can think for me, as well as execute orders.

99% percent of failures are the ones who make excuses.

A bad war is fought with a good mind.

Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest.

We began a contest for liberty ill provided with the means for the war, relying on our patriotism to supply the deficiency. We expected to encounter many wants and distressed… we must bear the present evils and fortitude…

Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.

Wherein you reprove another be unblameable yourself, for example is more prevalent than precepts.

Decision making, like coffee, needs a cooling process.